Supporting Bats: How to Help Them Thrive 🦇🌸
When we think of pollinators, bees and butterflies often come to mind. But did you know that bats play a vital role in pollination, too? These nocturnal creatures are often misunderstood and underappreciated, yet they contribute significantly to ecosystems worldwide. It’s important to note that, worldwide, there are many pollinating bats. In southwest Washington, none of our indigenous bat species are pollinators; but they are still crucial to biodiversity, and they eat a lot of problematic insects. Let’s explore why bats are essential pollinators and how we can support them in our local environments!
Why Are Bats Important Pollinators?
Nighttime Pollinators Unlike bees and butterflies that are active during the day, many bat species are nocturnal, filling an important niche in pollination. They visit flowers that bloom at night, sipping nectar and spreading pollen as they fly from plant to plant. Even our local bats often will eat pollen even if they’re not effectively pollinating a plant.
Pollinating Unique Plants In the tropics, bats are especially important for pollinating plants with large, pale, or white flowers that open at night, such as agave (used to make tequila), bananas, mangoes, and durian. Many of these plants have strong, musky fragrances that attract bats.
Long-Distance Flyers Bats can travel long distances in search of food, helping to cross-pollinate plants that are far apart. This contributes to genetic diversity and resilience in plant populations.
Seed Dispersers Bats are also excellent seed dispersers. Fruit-eating bats, known as "flying foxes," consume fruits and disperse seeds far and wide through their droppings, helping to regenerate forests and maintain healthy ecosystems.
How You Can Support Bats in Your Area
1. Create Bat-Friendly Habitats
Plant Night-Blooming Flowers: Incorporate native, night-blooming flowers into your garden. Plants like evening primrose, moonflower, and yucca can attract nectar-feeding bats.
Preserve Native Trees and Plants: Native plants provide essential food sources for bats, including insects and fruit. Protecting these plants will help maintain a balanced ecosystem that supports bats.
2. Install Bat Houses
Providing safe roosting sites is crucial for bat conservation. You can install a bat house in your backyard to offer shelter to bats during the day. Bat houses should be placed at least 12-15 feet off the ground in a sunny area, ideally near water and away from artificial lights. Learn more about creating bat gardens and bat houses from Bat Conservation International.
3. Reduce Pesticide Use
Bats help control insect populations, consuming thousands of insects each night. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use in your garden not only protects bats from harmful chemicals but also ensures a healthy food supply of insects for them.
4. Protect Natural Water Sources
Bats need water to drink and forage. Protect local water sources like ponds, streams, and wetlands by reducing pollution, conserving water, and participating in local clean-up events. You can also create a small water feature in your garden to provide a safe drinking spot for bats.
5. Leave Dead Trees Standing (When Safe)
Dead trees (known as “snags”) provide natural roosting sites for many bat species. If a dead tree poses no immediate danger to people or property, consider leaving it standing to provide habitat for bats and other wildlife.
6. Educate Others About Bats
Share information about the importance of bats with your friends, family, and community. Host workshops, post on social media, or partner with local wildlife organizations to spread the word about bat conservation and dispel myths and fears about bats.
7. Support Bat Conservation Efforts
Support local and international bat conservation groups that work to protect bat populations through research, habitat preservation, and education. Consider volunteering your time or donating to these organizations to help their efforts.
Why Supporting Bats Matters for Us All
Bats play a critical role in pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal, contributing to the health of our ecosystems and the diversity of our plant life. By supporting bats, we’re helping to ensure the continued growth of crops and plants that are essential to our diets and economies. Plus, bats help keep insect populations in check, reducing the need for pesticides and promoting a healthier environment for all. Learn more about Washington bats and ways to provide habitat for bats from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Small Actions, Big Impact
While bats might be small, their impact is mighty. By taking steps to support bat populations, we’re contributing to a more balanced ecosystem, richer biodiversity, and healthier planet. So, let’s give these nocturnal pollinators the appreciation and support they deserve—because our world wouldn’t be the same without them.
This blog post is a great way to raise awareness about the importance of bats as pollinators and provide actionable tips for supporting bat populations in local communities. By implementing these suggestions, we can help bats thrive and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.
